Newcastle left-back Massadio Haidara could return to action at the beginning of next month after suffering no significant damage from the horror tackle by Wigan’s Callum McManaman.

In a statement on Newcastle’s official website, the Toon confirmed: “We are very pleased that the extent of his injury is less severe than first feared and is limited to bruising to the bone and soft tissue damage.

“Depending on the speed of his recovery he should be fit to play again in early April.”

The left-back, 20, was stretched off the field during Wigan’s 2-1 win at the DW Stadium after a knee-high, studs-up challenge from midfielder McManaman in the first half.

Referree Mark Hasley did not see the incident and Newcastle were not even awarded a free-kick, while Haidara was stretchered off the field in obvious pain.

McManaman has escaped retrospective action from the FA, to Newcastle’s disgust.